Ukhrul, Jan 22: Expressing strong disapproval to the appointment of John Gaidingam D as the Deputy Director in charge of the Directorate of Tribal Affairs & Hills, Manipur, the Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM), General Headquarters, has called for immediate revocation of the said order.
The TYCM, in a press statement, said that John Gaidingam D, the Administrative Officer-cum-Research Officer of the Tribal Research Institute (TRI), was appointed as the Deputy Director in charge of the Directorate of Tribal Affairs & Hills, Manipur despite the acute manpower shortage in the Directorate and his failing to attend the office.
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“This appointment is in addition to his existing duties made as a temporary arrangement given the acute shortage of manpower in the Directorate of Tribal Affairs & Hills and to cope with the administrative exigencies of the Department,” the TYCM said. “It is surprising how the department is assigning/adding additional duties to John Gaidingam D, despite his inability to maintain a physical presence and effectively perform his responsibilities at the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) office,” the body added.
The tribal body reported that the TRI office had not functioned effectively since May 3, 2023. It also stated that the Director and the Research Officer-cum-Administrative Officer of TRI have been operating from the Directorate of Tribal Affairs & Hills, thereby, disrupting the operations of the TRI office and raising serious concerns about its ability to fulfill the mandate of serving the tribal communities effectively.
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Further, the tribal group recounted that during its inspection on December 17, 2024, accompanied by media persons, only three staff were present, and no programs had been initiated since May 3, 2023. The offices of the Director and Research Officer-cum-Administrative Officer were also found locked, with staff reporting that the officials operate from the Directorate of Tribal Affairs & Hills, and not the TRI office. The inspection further revealed the poor condition of the TRI office, with animal waste scattered inside, highlighting the lack of maintenance and functionality.
The TYCM further noted that it had submitted a representation to the Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tribal Affairs & Hills Department, Government of Manipur, on December 19, 2024, requesting the revocation or cancellation of this order. The body lamented the authorities’ failure to ensure the physical presence of all TRI staff at the office, including the Director, for effective functioning.
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